Daniel Riordan: WW1 Service Ships

HMS Drake (AUG 1914)

In October 1914, under the command of Aubrey Smith, the ship was used to carry Russian

bullion worth eight million pounds to Britain; on arrival, Drake lay thirty miles off Archangel, and

the gold was brought to her at night.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Drake_(1901)

HMS Excellent (April 1915)

 HMS Excellent (shore establishment) is a shore establishment in Portsmouth. Originally

housed in a number of hulks named HMS Excellent since 1830, it was formally established in

1869. It moved ashore in 1891 and remained active until 1985, when it ceased to be an

independent command and was incorporated into HMS Nelson as part of HMNB Portsmouth.

The name continues to exist in reference to the aspects under the site's administrative

purview. A number of ships were renamed HMS Excellent whilst serving as homes or

tenders of the establishment. These include:

HMS. Victory (July 1915)